7 Big Island Budget Hotels

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While a trip to Hawaii can be a big expense, there are a lot of ways to cut costs and staying at a budget hotel is one of the best ways.

Not super familiar with the Big Island? Read this post to get the lay of the is(land) and figure out what area is best to stay on!

Big Island Budget Hotels

Kona Side

Holiday Inn Express: This bright and modern hotel located near Kailua Bay in Kona is efficient, clean, and a perfect basecamp. This hotel includes an outdoor pool, microwaves and mini fridges in each room, a fitness center, and a hot breakfast each day. Pricing starts at $162/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Kona Seaside Hotel: Located right on the bay in Kona, this Big Island budget hotel is the perfect place to set up camp and explore the island. Locally owned and operated, this hotel is perfect for budget travelers (you won’t pay any resort fees here)! Pricing starts at $135/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Kamuela Inn: This small 30-room inn on Parker Ranch in the Big Island’s upcountry region is absolutely darling. You’ll get a real Hawaiian experience here although it’s more cowboy style than beach bum. Pricing starts at $129/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

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Hilo Side

Dolphin Bay Hotel: This quaint hotel is located just 10 minutes from downtown Hilo. All studio units come with Wi-Fi and a kitchen, but no air conditioning. One and two bedroom units with lanais are available. Pricing starts at $149/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Hilo Seaside Hotel: This is Kona Seaside Hotel’s sister property located in charmingly low key Hilo. If you’re looking for a nice budget friendly hotel from which to explore the Hilo side of the island, this is a great spot. Pricing starts at $114/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel: Hilo’s nicest full service hotel is not only oceanfront with all the amenities you could want, but it’s also a great bargain! Spend your days exploring the Hilo side of the island, but come back to a relaxing respite at the end of the day. Pricing starts at $129/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Chalet Kilauea: Located near Volcano Village (just outside the entrance of Hawaii Volcano National Park), this upscale hotel nestled in the rainforest is a real gem. It’s perfectly situated for exploring the park (and the east side of the island), but you’ll still feel pampered when you come back to your room each night. Pricing starts at $85/night. Click here to check rates and availability during your stay.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with trying to plan the perfect Big Island itinerary? I’ve got just the thing for you!

Big Island Bound! I’ve put together the BEST Big Island itineraries you’ll find anywhere! These are the itineraries I use on my trips to the Big Island (plus a few tweaks because hindsight is 20/20 right?) and they’re perfect for first time and repeat visitors who want to see the very best of the Big Island.

I’ve included everything from the best snorkeling spots, beaches, and excursions and it’s all broken down by each part of the island so you won’t waste any time backtracking.

So what exactly do you get? With Big Island Bound, you’ll get FOUR six day itineraries: 1) classic Big Island itinerary, 2) Big Island honeymoon itinerary, 3) Big Island for adventure seekers itinerary, and 4) Big Island foodie itinerary. I’m not just talking about a bullet point list of to dos. Each itinerary comes with 10-15 pages of commentary explaining why I recommend doing certain things (plus various options to suit your interests). Each itinerary also comes with its own Google Map (broken down by day). You’ll also get an itinerary template that you can use to make your own, along with extensive tips on creating your own itinerary, a huge list of things to do on the Big Island, and directions for making your own Google Maps.

This is basically vacation in a box, friend! Just add a bit of salt water and you’re in for the trip of a lifetime!

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About Cate

Aloha! I’m Cate…Hawaii lover, wannabe mermaid, beach bum extraordinaire, sand castle architect and firm believer that beach days are the best days! Follow my adventures around the world one beach at a time.